Guernsey looks to get on the map for swimming adventures
A holiday operator dedicated to swimming adventures worldwide could help to put Guernsey on the map after its staff completed a 50km relay swim around the island.
The team from SwimTrek started and finished at the Bathing Pools at La Valette.
‘Guernsey is a stunning island with spectacular waters. The hospitality we have received in the islands from all supporting parties has been amazing,’ said managing director Ash Van Wensveen.
‘Our swim around Guernsey exemplifies our passion for open water swimming and our dedication to promoting extraordinary swimming destinations.’
The event was organised by SwimTrek in partnership with VisitGuernsey and it is hoped that the two will work together to promote the island as a premier swimming holiday destination.
The group stayed at Fermain Valley Hotel, which treated the swimmers to hot chocolate, champagne and cake at the end of the swim.
‘We are delighted to support SwimTrek in this endeavour and showcase Guernsey’s stunning coastline to a global audience. This event highlights the island’s potential as a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers,’ said Mary Putra, States director of marketing and communications.
VisitGuernsey has launched a number of water-based campaigns in the UK and in France, which includes a poster on the London Underground.
HOW SWIMTREK STARTED
The SwimTrek concept was born in 2000 when founder Simon Murie planned a swim at the fabled Hellespont which divides Europe and Asia in north-west Turkey.
It was so complicated to organise it took him a week to arrange an hour-long swim, and he came up with the idea of facilitating famous swims for people without having to organise it all.
The first trip was in 2003 and the company has now organised swims at all levels in more than 40 locations worldwide.
‘All our locations have something special about them,’ Mr Murie said. ‘There is something idyllic about immersing yourself in open water.
‘When you arrive either on an island or lake shore under your own steam and look back from where you have swum, you can appreciate where you have arrived in a way that no one else possibly can.’
